Ventricular Remodelling In Cardiomyopathy _ Impact On Ventricular Physiology And Cardiovascular Outcome.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$123,337.00
Summary
Diffuse myocardial fibrosis is the widespread deposition of scar tissue in heart muscle and is a common final pathway of cardiac disease. A new technique (contrast-enhanced T1 mapping) using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can non-invasively detect this scarring. The proposed research intends to further determine the significance of diffuse myocardial fibrosis in cardiac disease, evaluate its link with diastolic heart failure and examine the potential therapeutic role of anti-fibrotic agents.
Novel Cardiac Imaging Modalities And Biomarkers In Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,926.00
Summary
Heart failure (an inability of the heart to meet the bodyÍs metabolic requirements) is a major public health burden with high rates of death, hospitalisation, and reduced quality of life. Further research is required to investigate the underlying mechanisms. This project will analyse abnormalities in heart structure and function using new techniques in heart ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, and blood tests. Findings in this study may help to guide the development of future therapies to ....Heart failure (an inability of the heart to meet the bodyÍs metabolic requirements) is a major public health burden with high rates of death, hospitalisation, and reduced quality of life. Further research is required to investigate the underlying mechanisms. This project will analyse abnormalities in heart structure and function using new techniques in heart ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, and blood tests. Findings in this study may help to guide the development of future therapies to improve outcomes in patients with heart failure.Read moreRead less
Characterisation Of Sub-clinical Cardiac Dysfunction Using Novel Cardiac Exercise Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,552.00
Summary
Heart failure is caused by heart muscle weakness and is associated with reduced quality of life and survival. Identification of heart failure in its earliest stages provides clinicians with an opportunity to institute preventative measures and prevent patients from developing symptoms. This project utilises novel ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging techniques performed during exercise to identify heart muscle weakness at its earliest stage.
“Beyond The Tape Measure” - Measuring The Impact Of Abnormal Flow Dynamics On Dilation Of The Ascending Aorta.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$723,771.00
Summary
Dilation of the ascending aorta is an important cause of death, leading to aortic rupture and dissection. The rate of complications has not improved in two decades, because our ability to detect and predict disease has not changed. This project will use 4D flow and other types of cutting edge magnetic resonance imaging to address this clinical need, building knowledge regarding the abnormal flows that cause aortic dilatation, enabling earlier diagnosis and providing new insights.
The Role Of Diffuse Myocardial Fibrosis In Myocardial Stiffness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$378,032.00
Summary
Collagen, a major component of scar, accumulates in some hearts and we may expect this to increase stiffness, threatening heart function. We have shown poor heart relaxation correlates with increased collagen on heart magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We aim to establish a link between MRI findings and direct measures of heart stiffness, a link between degree of stiffness and amount of collagen and effects of anti-fibrotic therapy on heart collagen; aiding diagnosis, prognosis and outcome.
Obesity And Atrial Fibrillation: Arrhythmogenic Effects Of Generalised And Localised Adiposity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$79,514.00
Summary
Obesity is a growing epidemic in Australia. Whilst it is well known that obesity has many detrimental cardiovascular effects, our understanding of how it affects the electrical conduction system of the heart remains incomplete. The present study will characterise both the relationship between generalised obesity and heart rhythm disorders, and also the relevance of differing fat deposits - such as the fat layer around the heart _ on the electrical conduction system of the heart.
Structural And Functional Correlates In Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$89,699.00
Summary
Survival in congenital heart disease patients has improved. Despite long-term sequelae, evidence is scarce. We aim to correlate structural cardiac features on MRI in adults with exercise capacity to determine predictors of poor outcome. Non-compaction cardiomyopathy ("spongy" heart) is a rare, unclassified form of heart failure. The incidence is much higher in patients with congenital heart disease. We aim to examine the causes, mechanical consequences and its effects on cardiac electrical condu ....Survival in congenital heart disease patients has improved. Despite long-term sequelae, evidence is scarce. We aim to correlate structural cardiac features on MRI in adults with exercise capacity to determine predictors of poor outcome. Non-compaction cardiomyopathy ("spongy" heart) is a rare, unclassified form of heart failure. The incidence is much higher in patients with congenital heart disease. We aim to examine the causes, mechanical consequences and its effects on cardiac electrical conduction to understand this undefined entity.Read moreRead less